Windshield wiper and brush assembly

ABSTRACT

An improved windshield wiper is described having a pair of squeegees and a brush disposed between said squeegees. The single-piece molded frame of the wiper includes openings along the frame back that are adapted to create a vacuum when the vehicle is moving. The brush spine is preferably perforated such that fluid is drawn from the windshield, into the brush bristles and out through the brush spine perforations and openings, when air passing over the wiper causes a vacuum between said squeegees.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/899,017, filed Jul. 27, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/463,412, filed on Jun. 18, 2003 (now U.S.Pat. No. 6,799,349), the entire contents of each of said applicationsbeing hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present insertion relates to motor vehicle windshield wipers. Inparticular, the present invention relates to windshield wipers thatincorporate brushes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Windshield wipers are an important safety feature in automobiles,trucks, buses, trains, and any other vehicle that includes an windshieldand is subject to rain, snow, ice, insects, tree sap, dirt, mud, and thelike. Windshield wipers typically include a longitudinal frame and oneor more flexible squeegees running along the length of the frame. Theframe is usually held by a motorized arm that sweeps the wiper acrossthe windshield with the squeegee in contact with the windshield surfacein order to sweep away rain, snow, and other debris so that the driverhas a clear view in front of their vehicle.

Many vehicles also include a mechanism for providing cleaning fluid tothe windshield. When the windshield becomes dirty, the driver causescleaning fluid to be projected onto the windshield, and the wipersmechanically assist in the cleaning action. Cleaning fluid may beprovided from a nozzle on or near the hood of the vehicle, or otherwisein proximity to the outside windshield surface. Or, some vehicles andafter-market kits make it possible to provide cleaning fluid directlythrough the windshield wiper frame. In this way, the cleaning fluid isdeposited directly to the windshield, and is less likely to be blownaway from the vehicle by wind when the vehicle is moving, and is alsoadvantageously distributed more widely across the windshield surface asthe wipers sweep.

However, even with today's windshield wipers, ice, dirt, insects andother debris can collect on the windshield despite the sweeping actionof the windshield wiper, obscuring the driver's view. As a result,drivers occasionally are required to stop their vehicle, and cleanstubborn debris from the windshield, in order to improve visibilitythrough the windshield.

Additionally, although some modern windshield wipers take advantage ofaerodynamics in order to maintain contact between the windshield surfaceand the wiper blades, they do not take advantage of the wind availableat moderate to high vehicle speeds to assist in the distribution ofcleaning fluids and the removal of liquids from the windshield surface.

The invention described herein provides an improved windshield wiperthat more effectively removes solid and liquid debris from thewindshield, allowing for improved visibility, and thereby increasedsafety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a windshield wipercomprising a longitudinal one-piece molded frame. The mold comprises atleast two longitudinally extending flexible squeegees and alongitudinally extending brush channel between the two squeegees on afront side of the molded frame. The brush channel is adapted to engage alongitudinally extending brush having a perforated spine. The moldedframe also comprises openings along the back of the frame adjacent tothe perforations in the brush spine. An adapter collar is preferablyprovided to engage a groove incorporated into a back side of the moldedframe, the adapter coller being adapted to engage a wiper arm of avehicle. Vacuum pressure is generated by the openings in the moldedframe. The vacuum pressure advantageously directs liquid from thewindshield, through the brush bristles and out the opening in the backof the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more readily understood with reference to theembodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross section of a frame of a windshield wiper in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame of a windshield wiper inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of a frame of a windshield shown with twosqueegees and brush inserted in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a frame of a windshield shown with twosqueegees and brush inserted in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a windshield wiper in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross section of a frame of a windshield wiper showing theflow of air in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an end view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the frame with the brush injected according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the frame according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is a cutaway end view of an embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 11 is a cutaway top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawing figures, it will be understood that like numerals referto like features and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described withreference to the attached drawing figures. FIG. 1 shows a cross sectionof a frame 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The frame isformed with two channels 102 in the bottom adapted to engagelongitudinally disposed squeegees 104 (not shown). The frame as shownalso has a third channel 106 between the first two channels adapted toengage a longitudinal brush 108. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of theframe without the squeegees or brush. Frame 100 is preferably made ofplastic, rubber, nylon, ABS, or any other suitable material. Frame 100also preferably has a uniform cross section, advantageously enabling theframe to be manufactured using an extrusion process. Those of skill inthe art will readily appreciate that any material capable of beingformed into a frame is considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention, and plastic, nylon and the like are merely exemplarymaterials. Aluminum, steel and other metals could also be used.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the frame 100 with squeegees 104 and brush108 in place. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the frame 100with squeegees 104 and brush 108 inserted. As shown, squeegees 104 andframe 100 define a space 110 when engages with the surface of awindshield 112. Squeegees 104 are preferably flexible, and preferablymade of rubber or silicon or the like. Brush 108 preferably has stiff,flexible bristles, and a perforated spine. Also, the spine of brush 108is preferably flexible so that it can adapt to the shape of mostwindshields. The bristles of brush 108 are preferably selected so thatthey are several thousandths of an inch shorter than the squeegeeblades. Thus, due the squeegees being flexible, brush 108 cones intocontact with windshield 112 when the wiper is pressed against thewindshield 112.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a wiper in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. Frame 100 has openings 114 alongthe back side of the frame. Perforations 116 in the spine of brush 108are revealed. Openings 114 are preferably located such that they areadjacent to the brush perforations 114 when the brush 108 is installed.

FIG. 5 also shows an optional end cap 118 that can be included withembodiments of the present invention. With an end cap, and preferably aconstant cross section frame, wiper blades according to embodiments ofthe invention can be manufactured in one length, and cut to fit anyvehicle. The end caps 118 are then used to retain squeegees 104 andbrush 108.

FIGS. 5 and 6 also illustrate arm engaging members 120 disposed alongthe back of frame 100. The arm engaging members perform two functions.First, they enable the wiper to be engaged by another assembly to allowinstallation with a variety of vehicles. Second, they help to create avacuum when wind travels across the back of frame 100 as shown in FIG.6. Due to the openings 114 in the back of frame 100, a vacuum is createdthat draws liquid from the windshield 112, up into the brush bristles,and out through the openings 114 as shown by the directional arrows inFIG. 6.

The brush bristles are preferably thick and dense to allow easy removalof stubborn insect deposits, bird droppings, dirt, grime and the like.This prevents the driver's visibility from being obstructed andeliminates pulling over to the roadside to manually clean the windshieldof debris. The specially designed wipers are also capable of removingstubborn tree sap, road salt film, leaves, and other debris that maycollect on the outside of the glass.

The windshield wipers of the present invention can have the same lengthsas conventional wiper blades and can be attached into standard metalwiper arms. Unlike conventional rubber bladed wipers, however, each ofthe present wipers includes a brush 108 between two flexible wiperblades 104. The brush 108 contains very stiff, thick and dense bristlesthat are preferably made of a nylon fibrous material. The brush 108 ispreferably made pliable lengthwise so that it can self-adjust to thecontour of the windshield. The brush 108 is used to work loose grime andstubborn deposits as the blades 104 sweep debris away. The wiper unit isalso designed to allow water or windshield cleaning solution to flowthrough the perforated spine of the brush and, if at traveling speed, tocreate a “vacuum” effect, as the back of the frame has openings 114,revealing the perforated spine on the brush 108. It should be readilyunderstood that the windshield wipers of the present invention can beinstalled on aftermarket vehicles as well as incorporated into newvehicle production.

The advantages of the windshield wipers of the present invention aretheir ease of use, their effectiveness at cleaning, and the safetyprovided to motorists. Instead of being limited to standard rubber wiperblades with minimal scrubbing capabilities, the present wipers workloose stubborn insect and dirt deposits that would otherwise bebypassed. The stiff, dense nylon bristles scrub loose deposits withoutscratching the glass surface. This helps the driver maintain clearvisibility and may even prevent accidents from occurring. Motorists canavoid continually pulling over to the roadside to manually wipe theirwindshields free of tough debris. This is especially helpful tocommercial truck and bus drivers who operate on strict schedules andhave little time for unexpected stops along the highway. It should beunderstood that the embodiments of the present invention are alsoeffective for boat, marine and aircraft applications.

One of the novel features of embodiments of the present invention is theassembly's ability to advantageously utilize a vacuum effect, attractingwater down into the brush. In addition, a polymer plastic channel brushis preferably used in the present design, enhancing flexibility andenabling the wiper assemblies to be manufactured in one length and cutto the end user's vehicle specifications by the end user. A cutting toolis preferably provided to the end user for after market applications.The present design preferably uses all plastic and nylon elements. Afterthe appropriate length is cut and the unit is installed on the wiperarm, a molded frame end cap can be snapped onto the cut end of theinstalled wiper brush.

The use of new plastic and polymer materials, as well as other currenttechnology, can improve the present invention even further. New plastictechnology can enable the brush to attract water, as well as to resistsnow and ice buildup. Heat can be provided through the frame to insureagainst snow and ice buildup. Aftermarket kits can route fluid from thevehicle washer reservoir directly into the wiper assembly center cavityand down into the brush.

The wiper assemblies of the present invention can be adapted to cars,SUVs, vans, pickup trucks, commercial trucks and buses, boats, aircraft,government and military vehicles, and, ultimately, any vehicle or otherstructure from which water and debris must be removed.

Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described inconnection with FIGS. 7-11. FIG. 7 is an end view of the one piecemolded rubber frame. The frame is preferably made of a flexible materialsuch as rubber, silicon, or an appropriate polymer. Materials such asrubber are well known in the art, and can be manufactured inexpensively.Materials such as silicon, or advanced polymers can be selected toadvantageously extend the life of the wiper blades, or to improve otherqualities, such as the rigidity of the wiper blades. Such longer lastingmaterials also enhance safety for drivers by virtue of minimizing thewiper blade degredation process prior to wiper blade replacement. Thus,the blades work better for a longer period of time.

The frame is preferably manufactured using an extrusion process. Theone-piece molded frame includes at least two squeegees 104 on the frontside, as well as a brush channel 126 adapted to accept a flexible brush.The frame also includes a groove 122 at the top of the frame along theback side, which is adapted to accept a hard plastic adapter collar 124.The wiper arm blade slides or snaps onto the collar 124 to securely holdthe wiper blades and to provide rigid support to the one-piece moldedframe, particularly when the frame is constructed of a flexiblematerial.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the frame with the brush injected. The brushand one-piece mold can be manufactured using a coextrusion process.Alternately, the one-piece molded frame can be manufactured separatelyfrom the brush, by an extrusion process for example, and the brush canlater be inserted into the brush channel. FIG. 9 is a top view of theframe. The top of the molded frame is preferably perforated down to thebrush channel. FIG. 10 is a cutaway end view, showing the adapter collar124 in place. FIG. 11 is a cutaway top view showing notches and moldedone piece snap tabs.

While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means ofspecific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modificationsand variations can be made thereto by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

1. A windshield wiper comprising: a longitudinal frame having a frontside and a back side, said front side comprising at least twolongitudinally extending flexible squeegees and a longitudinallyextending brush channel between said at least two squeegees, said brushchannel being adapted to engage a longitudinally extending brush havinga perforated spine; said frame further comprising at least one openingalong said back side and substantially adjacent to said brushperforations; and an adapter collar adapted to engage a grooveincorporated into said back side of said frame; said adapter collaradapted to engage a wiper arm of a vehicle.
 2. A windshield wiper as inclaim 1, wherein said brush comprises flexible bristles extending notpast said squeegees, such that said bristles make contact with saidwindshield when said wiper is pressed against a windshield.
 3. Awindshield wiper as in claim 1, wherein said frame is a single piecemolded material.
 4. A windshield wiper as in claim 3, wherein saidmaterial is selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicon, and apolymer.
 5. A windshield wiper as in claim 1, wherein said frame is asingle-piece extruded device.
 6. A windshield wiper as in claim 1,further comprising at least one end cap adapted to engage an end of saidframe.